A 31-year-old man has tragically died following a severe fall while rock climbing in a remote area of Tasmania.
Emergency Response at Sand River
The incident occurred on Tuesday at the popular Sand River area in Buckland, located in the state's south. Police were alerted shortly after 1:20pm following reports that a climber had fallen an estimated 20 metres from a cliff face.
The man, understood to be a French national who was residing in Victoria, Australia, had been climbing with a friend at the time of the accident. Emergency services, including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, were dispatched to the remote location in a bid to save his life.
Critical Flight to Hospital
Despite the rapid response, the climber was found in a critical condition. He was airlifted via helicopter to the Royal Hobart Hospital for urgent treatment. Medical professionals fought to stabilise him, but he died a short time later.
Tasmanian Police confirmed the fatality in an official statement, extending their sympathies to the victim's loved ones. "Our thoughts are with the man's family and friends at this difficult time," the statement read.
A Community in Mourning
The Sand River region is known to the outdoor community as a destination for hiking and climbing, making this incident a sobering reminder of the risks associated with extreme sports. The death of the young climber has sent shockwaves through local and international climbing circles.
Authorities have not released the man's name, pending formal identification and notification of his next of kin. An investigation into the precise circumstances of the fall is expected to be carried out.
